4+1 Program in Urban Studies / Master of Public Administration and Policy (MPAP)

Worcester State University

The goal of the Department of Urban Studies is to foster an understanding of the complex challenges that face an increasingly urban and metropolitan world. The field of Urban Studies uses an interdisciplinary approach to understand metropolitan life. It immerses students in an academically rigorous and personally challenging course of study that helps them discover who they are, and how they can become change agents in this global society. The Urban Studies Department cultivates the development of critical thinking skills necessary to excel in today's competitive world. Urban Studies graduates enjoy outstanding careers in a wide variety of occupations, such as, public administration, policy development, non-profit management, urban planning, business, law, human services, health care management, housing management, gerontology and social work.Students are encouraged to take introductory courses in political science, statistics and economics before graduating from their undergraduate programs since these courses are prerequisites for full matriculation into the MPAP. A course in financial accounting is also highly recommended. Students achieve matriculation only after they obtain their undergraduate degree. The prerequisite requirements must be completed by then.In order to complete the joint degree, students take 9-11 graduate credits, which count both in their undergraduate program and in the MPAP. The graduate credits are taken in place of elective undergraduate credits. Students get advising from both the graduate coordinator and their undergraduate advisor. Admission is on a rolling basis and applicants may start their program of study in any semester.

Worcester State University